Some Morrisville Residents Not Pleased With Recent Growth

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MORRISVILLE, N.C. — The town of Morrisville has grown from 250 people in 1980 to more than 12,000 today. Now, some residents claim they are feeling the aftereffects of the explosion in population.

Morrisville is often overshadowed by what is around it -- Research Triangle Park, RDU International Airport and Cary. Town manager John Whitson said Morrisville is at a crossroads.

"We're going to be 18,000 people within the next five years, and with more people come more problems," he said.

Recently, the amount of residential property surpassed commercial property, which means more people are not only working in the town, but they are also living there.

"We've got a great community. It's a great place for people to live. We have a great quality of life," Whitson said.

However, everyone does not enjoy the rosy picture of growth. Mary Joyner, 71, said she had to move because developers were crowding her out and pressuring her to sell. As a result, she sold the house where she raised her two daughters.

"I can't see where I used to live," she said.

The situation is difficult for many residents to talk about.

"It hurts. I have not been back there, and it's just five minutes from here," said resident Donna Dilla-Hunt.

"They just keep building too much too fast," said resident Sheila Glenn.